What residents need to know
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
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Richard Franks
Experience:
1st Lieutenant Vietnam; master public administration ; CAO Urbana; EVP/GM Dispatch Newspaper; owned/managed media…
Occupation:
board of directors: The Woodlands Township
Candidate Website:
https://www.vote4richardfranks.com
Question 1: What priorities will you have if elected?
I will continue to promote communication transparency through page 6 in Community Impact and our community magazine which is now delivered to all residents, including apartments. The newly established Village Presidents Council provides information to the members on a monthly basis to share with their community, encouraging community involvement.
Question 2: What are the biggest challenges facing The Woodlands Township in the next two years?
As we are now a mature community, we need to ensure continued economic stability by continuing aggressive programs of business recruitment and visitor entertainment programs. In addition, in our 50th year we need to provide appropriate resources to maintain our public facilities, as provided in our 2025 budget.
Question 3: What amenities would you focus on improving or including in the next two years?
Continue our reforestation efforts where appropriate. Howard Hughes Development deeded the Waterway property to the township; it will demand some renewal replacement work, along with fountain square refurbishment. Finish our parks study and Gosling Road property uses, while also completing the analysis of a performing arts center.
Question 4: How will you create additional opportunities for growing the township’s tax base in the next two years?
To ensure our continued economic position by support of quality business relocation programs, including convention entertainment and retail operations. Support other social sporting events like Chevron Open, Ironman etc. This will keep our taxes low, to maintain our enviable position of only 29% of revenue coming from property taxes.
Question 5: How will you work with county and state government to advance township initiatives?
Continue to promote and encourage resident education, input, and establish a positive collaborative relationship with other communities (Oak Ridge, Shenandoah, Spring), counties (Montgomery, Harris) and other intergovernmental partners. I have already talked with most of these, including discussions with our State Legislators towards establishing a formal plan.
Elvin Misut
Experience:
Over 10 years of corporate management ; former associate professor; active community volunteer; MBA from…
Occupation:
Business executive
Candidate Website:
https://www.ElvinMisut.com
Question 1: What priorities will you have if elected?
Public safety remains my top priority, including advocating for more police funding. Additionally, smart growth is key: updating aging infrastructure while balancing quality and financial sustainability. I’m committed to maintaining a low property tax, honoring George Mitchell’s vision, and working to reclaim our status as the number one place to…
Question 2: What are the biggest challenges facing The Woodlands Township in the next two years?
The biggest challenges currently include infrastructure issues such as potential power outages and flooding, along with population growth, rising traffic congestion and crime. My forward-looking vision focuses on addressing these while maintaining The Woodlands' high quality of life, ensuring smart growth and proactive planning to secure our future.
Question 3: What amenities would you focus on improving or including in the next two years?
Beyond improving parks and enhancing bike lanes, we should focus on expanding our convention and recreational centers to support favorable sales and hotel taxes to benefit residents, attract businesses, and boost tourism. Refurbishing village centers and building new centers will also improve the high quality of life we enjoy in…
Question 4: How will you create additional opportunities for growing the township’s tax base in the next two years?
I’ll focus on identifying new sources of revenue, like hosting more community events, expanding mixed-use developments and evaluating opportunities such as sports fields, a performing arts center and improved transportation systems. These efforts will boost tax revenue and ease the burden on our residents without increasing property taxes.
Question 5: How will you work with county and state government to advance township initiatives?
While it’s essential to work closely with county and state government, it’s equally important to gather input from our residents. By understanding what our community wants, we can effectively collaborate with our county and state partners to advance initiatives that truly reflect the needs and desires of The Woodlands.
